Lingzhi is not new. In fact, it’s been around for a while. It’s a herbal remedy for illness and fatigue that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for generations. What is new is the accessible capsules it’s been put into by brands such as Eu Yan Sang – meaning taking it like a vitamin supplement just became incredibly easy.

For those who don’t know what Lingzhi is, here’s a crash course. Lingzhi is a mushroom that grows on hardwood logs and has allegedly been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. It is said to boost the immune system, reduce stress, and increase energy. Additionally, it’s been suggested that Lingzhi can suppress the symptoms of allergies.

If any of these perks sound appealing, there are actually plenty of ways to incorporate it into your everyday diet. Take the capsules straight with luke warm-water, or, add it to these foods for a tasty and revitalising treat.

Lingzhi has a bitter taste, meaning it works well with flavours like tea, coffee and chocolate | Image courtesy of Chelsea Shapouri

Tea

One of the easiest ways to integrate lingzhi into your diet has to be tea. Have lingzhi with your daily cuppa – if you find the taste too strong, add honey to soften the sharp edge.

Chocolate

Because of its bitter taste, Lingzhi works well with dark chocolate for a health and slightly-indulgent treat. If you make your own chocolate from raw cacao nibs, add the lingzhi capsules and some goji berries for an extra health boost.

Smoothies

Smoothies have long been a way to incorporate superfoods, and lingzhi works surprisingly well with fruits, bringing out the best of their flavours. Try banana and chocolate, or strawberry vanilla for something sweeter.

Coffee

Be careful with this one, because although the flavours work incredibly well together for those who like their coffee dark and bitter, the caffeine burst combined with the lingzhi boost can be a little dizzying – probably a combination you want to save once you’ve tested your tolerance.

Superfood Shots

Using almond milk and lingzhi, you can make your own incredible vegan superfood shots with a variety of flavours. Try adding turmeric for something a little spicy, or matcha for smooth and creamy.

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Editor & CCO

Hong Kong-based Rebecca Cairns is the editor for Compare Retreats, and has formerly written on travel and wellness with Hong Kong Tatler and The Culture Trip. As a NASM-certified personal trainer, Becca is interested in all things fitness. An avid runner, she enjoys running 5K, 10K and 21K races and is currently training for her first marathon. When she's not travelling, she's planning her next trip, taking hikes to the beach or scribbling away in boutique coffee shops. You can follow her travels on Instagram @jetsetcreate.